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Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, introduces a journey to discover the finer arts and culinary delights of Hoi An. This uniquely designed experience opens the door for visitors to step into a world of people, customs, and cultural spaces rarely seen on travel maps or social media.
This journey is for travelers seeking authentic experiences; it's not just about sightseeing in Hoi An, but about getting acquainted with and immersing yourself in the local way of life. By directly connecting visitors with local artisans, the trip opens the door to traditional family kitchens, art galleries, and the exquisite flavors hidden amidst tranquil villages or lush green fields.
According to Marcel Oostenbrink, General Manager of the resort: "The program is built on a long-standing partnership with local artisans and curators. Spending a full day alongside those who have been involved in cooking, creating, and preserving traditions for many years is expected to give visitors a clearer understanding of the cultural life of Central Vietnam."
The journey begins with a traditional Vietnamese bodywork treatment at the resort's Heart of the Earth Spa. Inspired by ancient therapeutic methods, this treatment helps the body relax and provides much-needed tranquility before embarking on a day of exploration.
Start your day at Heart of the Earth Spa, gently awakening your body and mind before embarking on your journey of discovery.
In a secluded kitchen nestled amidst lush rice fields, visitors can directly experience the traditional tofu-making process under the guidance of the host family, who grew up in this traditional craft village. From soaking and pressing purebred green-hulled soybeans from the North to observing how fresh tofu is transformed into delicate vegetarian "cheese," a vegan lunch featuring familiar local dishes will be served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, the host family will share heartfelt stories about their life and craft.
Amidst the tranquil green fields, visitors can experience making tofu by hand and listen to stories about preserving the traditional craft from the village artisans.
In the afternoon, the journey takes visitors to an exhibition space nestled amidst lush green gardens – a place preserving Vietnamese handicraft heritage that is gradually fading away in the face of modern life. Each hand-woven brocade, carved object, or rustic ceramic piece bears the mark of crafts requiring patience passed down through generations. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire works that take months to complete, with profits directly contributing to supporting artisans from various ethnic communities. The visit concludes with a cup of traditional Vietnamese filter coffee brewed by the founder of the art space, opening up a conversation about heritage and the mission of cultural preservation.
As evening falls, visitors explore the Vietnamese handicraft heritage preservation space amidst lush green gardens and conclude their journey with a cup of traditional Vietnamese filter coffee.
The journey concludes with a tasting experience of fish sauce, a symbolic condiment of Vietnamese cuisine, made from anchovies caught in the central coastal region. Through gentle guidance and unexpected variations, from concentrated fish sauce and spray bottles to mayonnaise, the experience opens up a new, more refined and intimate perspective on this familiar condiment that often makes foreign tourists hesitant. Furthermore, visitors have the opportunity to create their own version of fish sauce, preserving the spirit of this timeless ingredient.
